Leaderonomers Share: What’s The Best Advice They’ve Received?

As 2017 comes to an end and we prepare to ring in the New Year, we decided to tap into the leadership minds of a few people here at Leaderonomics.

The question we asked was very simple and taught me some great lessons as a I begin to prepare for 2018. So: “What is the best advice you have ever received?”

Here’s what they had to say:

Yeoh Lin Lin, Leaderonomics.com Bahasa Malaysia editor

Never shortchange yourself with self-limiting thoughts or general perceptions.

Life in general is the teacher. Personal experiences, too.

Here’s an example. I used to think that a giant information technology (IT) company was beyond my reach.

It had the reputation of only hiring the best of the best. And for the longest time, I dare not even think of applying for a job there even though I had the experience and expertise.

When an open position came up that fit my skill set, I decided to submit my application after much hesitation and just before the closing deadline.

I was shortlisted, went through a grueling series of interviews (written, teleconference calls, face-to-face), and got the job.

Challenge yourself!

Sashe Kanapathi, Director: Corporate Solutions

Steve Jobs once said that sometimes you can only connect the dots looking back.

I think people should stop trying to chart a perfect course, but just accumulate as many experiences as they can.

Roshan Thiran, Chief executive officer

There is no dead end in any situation. There are always options and opportunities whatever the circumstance. The only limit is ourselves.

It becomes hopeless and a dead end simply because we believe it to be. But the possibilities are endless.

As Harvey Specter (from the TV series Suits) loves to quote: “What are your choices when someone puts a gun to your head?

“You take the gun, or you pull out a bigger one. Or, you call their bluff.

“Or, you do any one of 146 other things.” We just have to find these options.

Hsien Piao Khoo, Learning and growth partner

A lot of people think that problems can be fixed overnight, without realising that these things take a lot of time and effort.

Especially, when it comes to changing the culture in your company.

Discussing changes is one thing, and you can set about making a plan for them.

But, actually implementing those changes is an ongoing process – it’s a journey, not a destination!

Ang Hui Ming, Growth and strategic initiatives leader: Enterprise

Yes, it can be frustrating to lead some people but you must always empower them by their strengths, not their weaknesses.

Find out what they’re good at and what they enjoy doing, and motivate them with it.